Plot Overview
In Your Dreams is an animated fantasy-adventure that centers on Stevie and her younger brother Elliot, two siblings whose family is on the brink of falling apart. Their parents’ relationship is strained, and Stevie and Elliot deeply wish for a “perfect family” — a goal that feels increasingly out of reach in the waking world.
To try to mend this, they embark on a magical and emotional journey — not out in the real world, but into the realm of dreams.
Key Characters
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Stevie – The older sibling, brave, determined, and deeply affected by the state of her family.
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Elliot – Her younger brother, who is more vulnerable but also imaginative and loyal.
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Baloney Tony – Their stuffed giraffe, who comes to life in the dream world; voiced by Craig Robinson. He’s snarky, comedic, and plays a surprisingly important role in their adventure.
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The Sandman – A mystical figure in their dreams, played by Omid Djalili, who may have the power to grant their wish if they can reach him.
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Mom and Dad – Voiced by Cristin Milioti and Simu Liu. Their marriage troubles are central to the siblings’ quest.
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Nightmara – The “queen of nightmares,” a powerful antagonist they must face.
The Dream World Journey
As Stevie and Elliot enter this dream realm, they encounter a wildly imaginative — often absurd — landscape filled with bizarre and fantastical imagery. There are zombie breakfast foods, shifting dreamscapes, and strange dream-people who challenge their courage and resolve.
Baloney Tony, their giraffe-turned-sidekick, provides both comic relief and emotional support. His snarky personality contrasts with the more serious stakes of their mission: to find the Sandman.
The siblings’ quest isn’t just about finding someone magical — it’s deeply personal. They want the Sandman to grant a wish: to save their parents’ marriage, and by extension, restore some sense of harmony and belonging to their family.
Themes and Emotional Arc
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Family & Reconciliation
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At its heart, the film is about the fragility of family relationships. Stevie and Elliot’s journey symbolizes their desire for stability and love, even amid turmoil.
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Dreams vs. Nightmares
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Not all dream moments are happy; there are nightmares too. The movie explores how nightmares—though scary—are a part of growth, and confronting them can lead to healing.
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Acceptance of Imperfection
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The film doesn’t promise a “storybook” ending where everything is perfect. Instead, it leans into the idea that even imperfect families can be good, and that healing doesn’t mean erasing all pain.
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Courage & Imagination
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Stevie and Elliot must be brave, resourceful, and creative. Their imagination — and their ability to work together — becomes their greatest strength.
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Climax & Resolution (Without Major Spoilers)
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Along the way, the siblings face formidable challenges in the dream world, including the Nightmara who embodies their fears.
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They eventually make it to the Sandman’s domain, a place that represents both the power and mystery of dreams.
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Through their trials — and with help from Tony the giraffe — they confront the hardest truth: that “fixing” a family isn’t about magic, but about understanding, forgiveness, and letting go.
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The wish they make is heartfelt, but the journey teaches them something even more important: that perfection isn’t necessary for love to exist, and that bonds are strengthened by facing hardships together.
Style & Tone
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The film is visually imaginative, with dream sequences that are rich, surreal, and playful. Critics note that it draws stylistic inspiration from Pixar films, though it maintains its own voice.
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It blends comedy and heart: there are laugh-out-loud moments (especially courtesy of Baloney Tony), but also genuinely emotional ones.
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The music supports the tone – the score is by John Debney, and the film even features some well-known songs reimagined for its dream context.
Why It Matter
In Your Dreams is more than a kid’s fantasy adventure: it’s a reflection on how children emotionally process family difficulties, especially divorce or separation. By transporting Stevie and Elliot into a world where everything is possible, the movie gives them (and the audience) a safe space to explore difficult feelings — fear, guilt, hope — and to imagine a better future without ignoring the complexity of their reality.
It’s a story that resonates with anyone who’s ever wished for a simpler or more loving home, but also understands that dreams alone can’t solve everything. The real growth comes from the effort, bravery, and connection.
